The District 13 seat, which represents parts of Columbia, Clarksville, Elkridge and Savage, is currently held by longtime Howard County public servant and Democrat Jim Robey, who announced last week he would retire after the completion of his term in 2014.

"Senator Robey has been an outstanding representative for the people of District 13," said Siddiqui, a resident of Clarksville. "I feel strongly I need to consider continuing that leadership."

Siddiqui called Robey a friend and mentor, and said she's learned a lot from him as a public servant.

"I've watched the way he interacts and connects with people even in difficult situations. He brings a calm to the community," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui, a Democrat, said she plans to take the next three to four weeks to explore her candidacy, with a formal announcement coming around June 1.

Siddiqui, who was reelected in November, has served on the Board of Education since being appointed in 2007 by County Executive Ken Ulman to replace Mary Kay Sigaty, who joined the County Council.

"I've been on the board's legislative committee since I came on the board, so I've been in communication on the issues the delegation has dealt with," she said. "To me it feels like a natural progression at this point."

Siddiqui is a physician and Office Medical Director at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians in Odenton.